He had an operation to remove a brain tumour in March this year but was later admitted to hospital with complications.

Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale says the Tigers are mourning the loss of the club legend.

"This is an extremely sad day in Richmond's history, to have lost a giant of the Club in Tommy Hafey," Gale said.

"His coaching achievements at Tigerland are legendary and he was a constant source of inspiration to the Yellow and Black.

"His mantra of hard work, discipline, dedication, persistence, honesty, loyalty, integrity, good health and vitality, was not only the recipe for success on the football field, but success in his wonderful life."

The Tigers will organise a special tribute for Hafey at Saturday's game against Melbourne.